Michael Darby and Smile

Hi, my name is Michael Darby. First of all I want to say thank you for taking the time to read my musical biography. I am just a regular guy who shares many of the same dreams most people have. To love, to be loved, to have a family and to help repair hope for those of us who have lost it. I grew up in a small town in Northern California. I am a small town guy with those big city dreams. The story you are about to read is a story of hope, perseverance, and the understanding that it is not what we get, but what we give that makes us who we are.My professional journey really started when I enrolled at Evergreen State in Washington. Somehow, I graduated in 2 years and 3 months with a four year degree. Trust me I was just as surprised as anyone with this success. How could this happen? My whole life I was told that I was stupid and "a lost cause", and many times that I was "not good enough." I think the reason I did so well in college was because I choose to live. Everyone has their own story, and, yes, I was told that I was stupid; but many people hear those same words everyday. Look at Herbert Hoover. He was an orphan raised by an uncle and still managed to become President of the United States. Our trials really can define who we are in a positive way if we just say, " I choose to live."College was this crazy crescendo of events; a carnival of success and confusion, if you will. I found myself producing, directing, and writing music videos and documentaries; some of which have been broadcasted on MTV, CNN, Entertainment Tonight, and Evening Magazine. I had caught the entertainment industry bug, and there was no turning back. I wanted to experience and learn everything I could regarding the music biz., so, even though I had all this going on, I still decided to try to jump into radio.Radio would completely change my life. Before I knew it I would become a morning show personality on KUBE 93.3 FM, the number one radio station in Seattle. If I would have known earlier all the experiences I was going to have in radio, I might have skipped college, contacted my local radio shack and purchased the most expensive set of head phones money could buy. I didn't really feel that way. College was amazing, but the thought did cross my mind.When college ended, the craft took me to Wild 94.9 in San Francisco, KZSU 90.1 Stanford radio in Palo Alto and Power 106 in Los Angeles. Radio opened up many doors for me. The medium gave me the chance to work with such stars as Michael Jordan, Will Smith, Whoopi Goldberg, Cindy Crawford, Robin Williams, Kobe Bryant, Dennis Rodman, Carmen Electra, Donald Trump, Mike Tyson, Shaquille O'Neal, Ken Griffey Jr., Drew Carey, Bill Gates, Olympic athletes, politicians and many others. The power of radio still fascinates me!Success was great, but it was foreign to me. I was not sure how to handle it at such a young age. As I searched for humility during those accomplishments, I found myself lost. I felt a little like British scientist Sir Isaac Newton, plotting how I was going to lock myself in my bedroom. Was I going crazy, or did I just need to ask myself some more serious questions? What was my purpose in life? Did I have a destiny? Not to be too dramatic, but did it even matter if I was here? After many months of contemplation, I came to the conclusion, that of course I have a destiny. We all have a powerful calling in life. It's true! I really believe we are all here for a reason. No matter how big or small that reason may be I'm confident of every single person's uniquely individual and collective destinies to serve and help each other, and the world in which we live.My individual plan was to help by sharing my music. Ever since 4th grade, I have had this dream of writing positive music and since I was doing so well in the entertainment industry, I thought to myself one day," You need to go for it!" And I was right, I did need to go for it. I mean I had a real dream! I was no Martin Luther King, Jr. ready to lead an American civil rights movement, but I had a heart filled with hope and direction. Not everyone receives these blessings. I have had many friends who graduated from college and still had no idea what they were going to do. Who am I to know in my heart what I am supposed to do with my life and walk away from it? I know we all fall short sometimes, but this was a time period when I felt strong, loved and optimistic. So it was time to make it happen! At that point I recorded an album. Then I was off to the races. I toured the United States and Japan for eight years. From these experiences I had the opportunity to perform and sell thousands of records in every state except Alaska and Hawaii. I performed for about one hundred thousand people each year. Some of the highlights included working on the song" Nobody Wants To Be Lonely" with Ricky Martin and Christina Aguilera, performing at VH1 in New York, performing in major market radio stations, and private celebrity gigs. During these tours I was also, recognized by the John Lennon Song writing contest and nominated for "Music Video Of The Year" by the Los Angeles Music Awards. The end of this eight year tour was spent in Japan where I realized I was getting older. Not old for music, but for my other dream.Yeah, I forgot to tell you guys God gave me two dreams! Every good story has a surprise in it. This is my surprise. The other dream, to wrestle at the Olympic level and win. So even though I had a great deal of momentum with my music, I could not deny the dream God had given me to wrestle. At this point, I did not think I could really win at the Olympic level. I just felt it was important to play a hand so that when I was old and gray I would have no unanswered questions. I did not want to tell my future children any "would have", "should have", "could have" stories about my younger years. I wanted to tell them I was given dreams and I went for those dreams! So, I left Japan for Utah to train with a past Olympic resident athlete and two college all-Americans. Although all of these guys have turned into amazing friends, my opponent, John Fagged, was the most helpful. He was like Socrates and I was like Plato. I trained with him for a little over one year. Then I was off to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Wrestling at the Olympic level and beating a country is something I have dreamed of ever since I was a little boy. It is a dream that is so big at times even I thought I was being silly to think it could come true. As I arrived at the Olympic Training Center I started to realize what, exactly, I had gotten myself into; and to be honest, there was a part of me that felt scared. In the dining hall I saw countries like: Russia, China, Japan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Finland, Mexico, Italy, Egypt, Puerto Rico, Korea, Kazakhstan, Colombia, etc., etc. The men that represented these countries were, at that time the toughest men in the world. I thought to myself, "Who am I?" I am just that little boy who has grown up but unlike most boys who grow out of their crazy dreams I was still finding a way to believe in mine. It would have been nice if I could have been like Mozart making historical accomplishments by the age of 13, but I was not that little boy. All my successes have come from hard work and faith. Then the worst thing happened, I became really sick. When I arrived at The Olympic Training Center I was 260 lbs. of fine-tuned athlete. I was so sick by the time I weighed in, I only weighed 248 lbs..On a positive note, I was not the only dreamer there. I met a Greek Statue impersonator named David Schenk (no pun intended), who was a California State Champion and a Pac Ten Champion. Both of these are superlative accolades, but we are talking about the world level; so, just like me, he was a huge underdog. We were roommates for the tournament and I can tell from our experience that we will have many more adventures together. There is so much that happened that weekend that, honestly, I could sit here and write on about it forever, but I won't bore all you music lovers. To everyone's surprise, David pulled out a huge upset by beating Italy and one of my biggest childhood dreams came true when I upset Puerto Rico in the second round.Now that I had accomplished my wrestling dream, it was time to jump back into music. But how was I going to do it? I had been out of the game for over a year. You see wrestling at the Olympic level was a full time endeavor, so for that year I literally had no time for music. From a song writing point of view there are many pros and cons to the new technology in the music industry. One of the cons is that people steal your music, and one of the pros is that people steal your music. You see I was still in the game, because during that year thousands of people had been trading my songs on-line. So even though I stopped performing, I continued to receive fan mail. One of the fan letters I received was from Jennifer Bush, an elementary school teacher in Sacramento. In fact, she didn't just send me one fan letter. She sent me a book filled with tender fans letters from her students. One day she had decided to play my CD for the children in her classroom. The kids liked my music so much they chose to write me. One of the letters said,"I love your music Michael. It makes me want to change the world too. When I grow up I am going to play music and change the world just like you." At that moment the light bulb went on in my head! My official dream, the reason I feel I am here on this earth, is to get one million children to write one million letters describing how they would change the world and make it a better place. Once that dream comes true, my goal is to turn these letters into a book that will be placed and read in every library in the United States of America. The book will also include letters from all 50 Governors and the President of the United States. I knew I always wanted to create positive music but now I had a blueprint for my journey.Currently, I am on a mission, a quest, to make "The One Million Letters Book"! As I read the thousands of letters that are coming in I can feel a sense of peace in my life. I feel that I am finally doing what I am supposed to do with the time I have been given. Also, the journey is starting to get much easier. This last month, alone, has been amazing! I spoke in front of 2000 people; something I never thought would happen. I walked the red carpet at the VH1 save the music event. Walked the red carpet at the Pre-Grammy E-World event. Received an endorsement from: Olympic Gold Medalist, only undefeated 4xNCAA National Champion, Cael Sanderson. I also, received an endorsement from International singing icon and multi-platinum recording artist, SEAL. Had the opportunity to get a meeting at the Governor’s Office in Nevada, then walked the red carpet at the Grammys. Then I went to the Grammy after party, where I was asked to be in a Universal Pictures film. Five days after the prestigious Grammy Awards I received this letter from Universal Pictures. "Dear Michael Darby, My name is Jonathan Watson. I am producing a documentary film with director Tom Shadyac. Tom Shadyac, the feature film director responsible for such successes as Bruce Almighty, Liar, Liar, Ace Ventura, Patch Adams, and most recently, Evan Almighty, will now apply his film making skills to a feature length documentary that asks the pressing question, "What's wrong with the world?" That question usually spurs a variety of answers from poverty and crime to the environmental crisis and war. But Tom believes that to call any of these the "problem(s)" is actually a fundamental misperception, that these are, in fact, symptoms of an underlying, endemic problem. We will not only attempt to identify this problem but then dare to imagine a better world, in the hope of inspiring and empowering our audience to make that world a reality. To explore this subject matter, Tom would like to include on-screen interviews with some of today's leading social commentators, writers and thinkers, including Mary Oliver, the Dalai Lama, Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn , Jimmy Carter, Maya Angelou, Thom Hartman, and Steven Hawkings . We'd be very grateful if you'd consider participating. If you have any further questions, or would like to speak with Tom, you can contact us at 818-***-****. Thank you very much for your time. Sincerely,Jonathan Watson" OK we need to stop this biography right now! I just want to remember my first show which took place ten years ago in a Las Vegas coffee house with, like, three people in the audience. Two of them being my mom and my brother! I was so nervous I felt like my fingers where literally sticking to the strings. Now, let's forward to today. I have performed for over a million people and Tom Shadyac wants me to be in his film with the Dalai Lama. Only in America, only in America my friends. I am not saying I am successful, but as far as I know that kind of experience does not happen everyday.In closing I would like to quote one of my hero's mothers. Her son Art Berg was a man that inspire a nation. He had the gift to include people. One day he was not sure if his dreams would come true? In fact he had almost hit rock bottom. Looking to his mother for advice she smiled and said,"Dreams are born in your heart and your mind, only there can they ever die." To all the children that listen to my music and read my biography I need you to promise me something! I need you to promise me that no matter how hard life gets you will never forget how special you are. Everyone of you has a purpose. Everyone of you has a destiny. All you need is a little hope and a little faith, and you will come to realize you are just one dream away from changing the world.Musically Yours, Michael Darby******************************************************* ********* ************************************************************ **** ************************************************************ ****Stephen R. Covey says, "I am inspired by Michael Darby's efforts to establish one million letters from children describing how they would change the world and make it a better place. These children are our future--and their visions will become our reality. Michael is a catalyst for making this change happen!" -Steven R. Covey has sold more than 15 million books and has worked closely with the President of the United States, Nelson Mandela and other world leaders. He recently was listed by TIME Magazine as one of the top 25 most influential people. ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** Olympic Gold Medalist. Only undefeated 4xNCAA National Champion Cael Sanderson says, "I love what Michael Darby is doing! He is helping children all over the world find the best part of who they can be. Using music as a vehicle to communicate he is helping children discover truth, honor, compassion, strength, purpose and principles. Through this experience I believe children with find faith, courage, confidence, laughter, new talents and new dreams. Dreams of service, hope and humility. Michael Darby's efforts to inspire one million children to write one million letters, on how they would change the world and make it a better place is exciting and I'm looking forward to reading his book!" ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** VH1 says, "With a great deal of manufactured sounds overwhelming the music industry, the country will soon get a breath of fresh air with the music of Michael Darby." - Leah Jackson, VH1 Programming ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** NFL SuperStar Bryan Kehl says, "Michael Darby has really hit a grand slam with his OneMillionLetters book idea. We are surrounded by corruption and despair - what the world needs is people like Michael Darby. He has seen a vision, taken hold of it, and is now running full speed! We've heard that children are our future...well, Michael has put them in the drivers seat. Each of us can make a difference - we can make the world a better place! And the OneMillionLetters book will be the road map to get us to our destination!" ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** International singing icon and multi-platinum recording artist SEAL says, "Michael Darby's one million letters is going to give children all over the world a lasting change. A lasting change that will help them reclaim their countries." ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** Olympic Training Center Athlete David Schenk says,” One of Michael's biggest childhood dreams came true when he represented the United States of America and upset Puerto Rico in the second round with a big W! You know you are good when you can say you beat a country!" ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** Ukiah's homeless Shelter says, "It was a wonderful gift that Michael shared his music with the homeless people in Ukiah," said UCC executive director Laura De Lovato. "A very bright moment for the city." ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** John Lennon Songwriting Contest Says, "Congratulations! On behalf of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, I am pleased to inform you that your composition, "Wild" was awarded an honorable mention in our competition! Only a small percentage of the thousands of entries received are recognized with this award. Our judges felt that your song was among the best entered into the Contest. In recognition of this achievement, please accept the enclosed Honorable Mention certificate!" ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** Los Angeles Music Awards say," On behalf of the city of Los Angeles we would like to nominate your music video "Wild" for music video of the year." ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** Florida's 107.1 FM says,"How could anyone not like what you are doing? The message is loud and clear and we should all be about making the world a better place. My son is in elementary school and maybe I could talk to his school for you. I am DJ at 107.1 FM in Florida and will totally mention it on the air(at least the website). Let me know what I can do to help you. I'd love to be a part of your vision in any way possible. You're certainly on your way to making a difference. God Bless you." Dan Norris ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** Josh Taylor of NBC Days of Our Lives says , "Very impressed! Very impressed! He is terrific!! He is kind of like a modern day James Taylor." ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** Warner Brothers Television says , "Great instrumentals accompanied with a great voice makes for a great band! These guys have talent that can only continue to get better. They have a great look. Add to that, nice personalities, which make them personable and fun to be around. I look forward to what they have to offer the Music-Entertainment industry. Watch out!!! Their music seems to really come from the heart which will make this band stand out among their peers!"- Heather Watson WB KSKN TV ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** Skechers Shoes says, “Michael, I'm excited for you and trust you will accomplish many great things. I want you to know we would like to work with you on some level." ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** Mix 94.1 FM Las Vegas says, “It is SO nice to finally hear an original song in a world of fabricated pop music. Michael Darby's song "Wild" is such a breath of fresh air! You can feel his emotion in the lyrics. I haven't been able to get the hook out of my head yet."- Jason Rooney Mix 94.1 KMXB/Las Vegas ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** Michelle Branch says, “Rock on! We definitely have to get together and play!" -Branch is a true ROCKSTAR selling more than 5 million records ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** KNDD The End Seattle says, "Michael Darby's music brings you back to days when music was simple...talented sounds with fresh, well written, meaningful lyrics." - Jake Kaplan, now Production Director for a Los Angeles radio station ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** Motown/Universal Recording Artist Brian Mcknight says, "Michael, give me your phone number, and I'll have my publishing company call you tomorrow." - Brian Mcknight has sold over 20 million records ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** ************************************************************ ****** KUBE 93.3 FM Seattle says, "I never thought a man the size of most NBA players could sing with the same passion and convection as Sarah McLaughlin." - Julie Pilat, now the Music Director of KIIS fm in Los Angeles par